Biography
Who is Tsunku?
Early life and real name
Mitsuo Terada was born on October 29, 1968, in Higashiōsaka-shi, Japan. He grew up listening to a variety of American and European hits on the radio, along with disco acts and rock bands. His musical influences helped shape his future career in the entertainment industry.
Before adopting his professional stage name, he was known by his birth name. He pursued his education at Kindai University, where he built the foundation for his future endeavors in music and media.
Music career and Sharam Q
Tsunku became well known as the lead singer of the rock band Sharam Q. During his time with the group, he wrote and released popular tracks such as Single Bed and Zurui Onna. Both songs entered the top ten in the charts and remain popular choices in Japan today, frequently appearing on top karaoke charts.
In addition to his work with Sharam Q, he established a new company called TNX in October 2006. This company included singers such as Ami Tokito. He also released compilation albums celebrating his years in entertainment, featuring songs by both Sharam Q and Morning Musume.
Hello Project production
Tsunku is widely recognized as the primary producer for Morning Musume and other Hello! Project acts. His production credits extend to groups such as Coconuts Musume, Berryz Kobo, Cute, V-u-den, Aya Matsuura, and Maki Goto. The total sales of the singles he has written exceed thirty-seven million copies, placing him among the top lyricists in Japan.
His musical style for Hello! Project features catchy melodies, romantic lyrics, and electronic dance music driven by synthesizers and guitar riffs. He stepped down as General Manager after a concert in New York, but he remains involved as the Sound Producer for Morning Musume.
Video game music and other projects
Beyond traditional pop music, Tsunku collaborated with Nintendo and J.P.ROOM to create the music video game Rhythm Tengoku. Released initially for the Game Boy Advance, the series expanded to several Nintendo platforms with titles like Rhythm Heaven Fever and Rhythm Heaven Megamix, with Tsunku returning as a composer.
He has also produced soundtracks for anime and video game series such as ClassicaLoid. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he participated in a YouTube telework project with members of Up-Front Group to support frontline workers.
Personal life and health
In June 2006, Tsunku married Kanako Idemitsu, a former model from Fukuoka. The couple welcomed fraternal twins in 2008 and a second daughter in 2011.
In March 2014, he announced that he had laryngeal cancer following throat surgery. He later revealed in 2015 that he had his vocal cords removed as part of his cancer treatment. He also published a memoir titled Dakara, Ikiru in September 2015.
Birthday and age
Tsunku was born on October 29, 1968, which makes Tsunku 58 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Tsunku shares the date with 63 other famous people.
Explore more
